Incirlik welcomes the chill with Winter Fest

Published Dec. 17, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Members of Team Incirlik held the first-ever Winter Fest Dec. 14, here.

The event began with the Jingle Bell 5K run at Arkadas Park and was then followed by various activites that included holiday music, a play by the Incirlik Youth Center and opportunities to visit localvendors and booths.

"For a first time event, it went great," said Marcus Grothues, 39th Force Support Squadron Community Center director. "We had a number of things for people to check out and do. A lot of people came out fo enjoy the event."

There was entertainment for adults, children and even pets.

"The kid's corner was awesome with the bounce houses and there was Santa Paws for the pets," Grothues said. "But my favorite thing was the people sitting around the fire pit and coming together."

The Incirlik Unit School choir also performed several holiday themed pieces.

"The kid's choir was great," said Tech. Sgt. Alexander Puma, 39th Air Base Wing Judge Advocate Office paralegal. "It was a good, family friendly environment and I had fun. "

Grothues also said that he looks forward to the second annual Winter Fest.

"It went well and can only get better from here." Grothues said. "We look forward to making this event bigger next year. Everybody in FSS worked together, and we had great support from our community services flight chief, Mary Wall, and all the FSS leadership."